Ever wonder what it would be like to take a break from being a stay-at-home-mom and go back to work, outside the home? Well I got to live that "dream" for a few days this weekend at Diaper Junction!

From Work at Home to Work Outside the Home

It has been nine years since I quit my last "real" job, and by real I mean, outside the home type job. I was a salon manager who'd worked full time, got pregnant, had a baby and then had gone back to work three days a week after my daughter was born. At age one, I resigned and opted to be a stay-at-home mom.

For the last nine years I've been a work-at-home-mom. Although I think all moms who are ever home are working, whether they have a paying gig at home or not. Over the years my husband has remarked that sometimes working at home seems harder than working outside the home and that maybe one day I might like to go back to having a "real job."
I have a real job, it's from home and I love it, but I do often miss the camaraderie that comes with working in an environment with people whom you enjoy spending time with.

April 18-20, "Take Julie to Work Day"

Well this weekend I got a taste of what it would be like to live my "dream." I got to head up to Diaper Junction in Virginia Beach to help out with their Great Cloth Diaper Change location. It included me getting to go to work at Diaper Junction's retail location Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

I had a blast and the gals were so sweet! They even set up a little desk for me with my own little name plaque. I made myself as useful as I could while trying not to get in the way of their work. It was kind of the feeling of "bring your kid to work day" but it was more like "bring Julie to work day."

So, after three days of a faux work outside the home job has my "dream" changed? Well I must say, it was fun, but if I had a chance to choose I think I'd like the flexibility of working from home the majority of the time combined with going in somewhere as needed.

I do wish I lived closer to Diaper Junction, since well, I AM a cloth diaper addict and the store and gals who work there are just about the nicest group of people I've ever met.

So, to wrap up. Work outside the home has it benefits, work at home has it's benefits, staying home without having to have a "real job" also has it benefits.

I'm tickled to death to have gotten to experience working at Diaper Junction for the weekend and look forward to doing it again soon.

So truthfully, does it sound appealing to you at times to work outside the home? Only if it were at a cloth diaper store right? What are your thoughts on staying home and/or going to work? Do you dream of one or the other?

-Julie

Comments

Date 4/22/2013

Elizabeth Dickson

There are times I think about going back to work but the cost of child care is what stops me right now. I love staying home for the fact that I get to watch my kids grow and learn and I don't get to miss as many memories as I would if I were working. I feel like I have a stronger bond with my children while i've been a SAHM than when I was working. I actually regret that I missed out on my oldest sons 3rd and 4th year and my second sons 1st and 2nd year because I did work. It is nice to get

Date 4/23/2013

Athalia Lyons-Meikle

I am going to be a Mom for the first time in Sep (to a baby boy). My husband and I relocated to TN for his job, but since moving here, I have not been able to find anything. So I have been a housewife for a couple months now. However, now that we have a baby on the way, I have slowed down my search for a job as the thought of being a stay at home Mom becomes more enticing. Since I am also culinary trained, I hope that I would be able to do something from my home while staying at home, however ge

Date 4/26/2013

Rebecca K

I actually really liked going back to work when baby was 8 weeks old; gave me some time to "be an adult" and and excuse to have to shower and get dressed(!) It's hard to leave baby but good to get a little break and come back excited to see them again.

Date 4/29/2013

Jen K

Sometimes I really wish I were able to go back to work. Unfortunately day care is so expensive, and now that I have #2 on the way it's practically impossible to find a job that will cover daycare costs for 2 kids plus enough left over to make it worthwhile. Being a SAHM has allowed me to create a strong bond with my daughter though, and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

Date 4/29/2013

Rachel A.

I am heading back to work next week so this is very relevant to me. I am excited to get back as a teacher, but know I will miss my little 4 month old! I do love my job and know that I probably will never be a SAHM.

Date 4/30/2013

Samantha Lippard

I think about going back to work but the cost of childcare is outrageous and I would much rather spend my time with my kids before they start school!

Date 5/1/2013

Rachel N

There are many days when I think it would be nice to work outside the home. But then I remind myself that if I did that I would STILL have all the work I have to do at home to keep the house running and it would be too much for me. Working moms amaze me:)